Joint Communique between South Africa and Burkina Faso

2 April 2007

At the invitation of H.E. Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, Minister of Foreign
Affairs of the Republic of South Africa and within the framework of the
strengthening of traditional, friendly and co-operation relations existing
between the Republic of South Africa and Burkina Faso, H.E. Mr Youssouf
Ouedraogo, Minister of State, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional
Co-operation of Burkina Faso, paid a working visit to South Africa on 2 April
2007.

During his visit Minister Ouedraogo and his delegation were received in
audience by H.E. President Thabo Mbeki, President of the Republic of South
Africa.

Minister Dlamini Zuma had bilateral political discussions with her
counterpart, Minister Ouedraogo, during which they reviewed the state of
bilateral relations, regional, African and international issues. They
reaffirmed their determination to work for a mutually rewarding relationship
under the guidance of the two Heads of State, H.E. President Blaise Compaore
and H.E. President Thabo Mbeki.

The Ministers expressed satisfaction with the state of bilateral political
relations, and noted the wide scope of co-operation in various fields, namely,
foreign affairs, trade, industry, mining and geology, agriculture, energy,
health, tourism, and transport.

With a view to laying a legal framework for co-operation, they welcomed the
steps undertaken to establish a South Africa-Burkina Faso Joint Commission of
Co-operation. At the completion of their meeting, both Ministers signed the
Agreement to establish the South Africa-Burkina Faso Joint Commission of
Co-operation. The Joint Commission will hold its first session at a date which
will be mutually agreed through the diplomatic channel.

Both Ministers welcomed the decision of both Governments to open Diplomatic
Missions in their respective capitals and expressed the view that this will
contribute towards the strengthening of bonds of friendship and co-operation
between South Africa and Burkina Faso.

Both Foreign Ministers reaffirmed their willingness to utilise the mechanism
of consultations between their respective Departments for the harmonisation of
their positions on major political issues related to the regional and
international situation.

Minister Dlamini Zuma was briefed on recent developments in Cote d'Ivoire,
and in particular the role played by President Compaore in facilitating the
conclusion of the Ouagadougou Political Agreement which holds the prospect of
delivering a lasting political solution to the Ivorian crisis. Both Ministers
urged all Ivorian parties to remain committed to the implementation of the
Agreement. The Ministers further welcomed the appointment of Mr Guillaume Soro
as the new Prime Minister of Cote d'Ivoire, and wished him well in the
execution of his duties.

Both parties agreed to work together for the restoration of a climate of
sustainable peace and stability especially in the Mano River Basin. Both
Ministers noted with satisfaction the appointment of a new consensus Prime
Minister in Guinea and hoped that this would contribute to stability in Guinea.
They took note of the remarkable post-conflict reconstruction process currently
underway in both Sierra Leone and Liberia. They agreed that these positive
developments augur well for stability and development in the region.

Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to work for the political unity and
integration of the African continent within the framework of the African
Union.

They underscored the centrality of the New Partnership for Africa's
Development (NEPAD) in the continent's efforts to deal with the twin challenges
of poverty and underdevelopment. They pledged to work with other sister African
countries for the realisation of the goals of NEPAD.

In reviewing the global political and economic situation, the two Ministers
agreed that the reform of the United Nations (UN) is central to efforts aimed
at finding sustainable solutions to international peace and security. In this
regard, they reaffirmed their commitment to the continued reform of the global
governance system.

The Ministers also emphasised the need to deal with both security and
development issues and in this regard, they urged the International Monetary
Fund (IMF) and the World Bank to place developmental issues at the centre of
their agenda. They also reaffirmed their commitment to the Doha Development
Agenda and expressed the hope that the process would be revived, in order to
bring more equity into the global trading system.

At the end of his visit, Minister Ouedraogo expressed his profound gratitude
to the Minister Dlamini Zuma and to the Government and People of South Africa
for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to him and his delegation.

Minister Ouedraogo extended an invitation to his counterpart to pay a
reciprocal working visit to Burkina Faso. The date of the visit will be
determined through the Diplomatic Channel.

Done in Pretoria, on 2 April 2007.

For the Government of the Republic of South Africa
H.E. Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma
Minister of Foreign Affairs

For the Government of Burkina Faso
H.E. Mr Youssouf Ouedraogo
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Co-operation

Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
2 April 2007